Lupente showcases five outstanding contemporary artists in an elegant and absorbing package. This volume-the first in our ongoing Flesk Artist Showcase series-features Julia Blattman, a premier visual-development artist working in the animation industry; Stephanie Law, a fine artist who pulls from dreams and reality to illuminate the boundary between those two worlds; Karla Ortiz, a concept and fine artist who is renowned for her personal works and her designs for film; Virginie Ropars, one of the most-revered dollmakers today and an inspiration to sculptors around the world; and Erica Williams, also known as "HookieDuke," who has gained acclaim by mastering a unique, highly intricate style of lines and designs that centers on Nature as its inspiration. Examples of the most highly regarded works by the five are accompanied by biographical essays, interviews, quotes and captions that reveal insights into their creative processes. In addition, Flesk's personal access to each artist has resulted in an insightful and engaging introduction to these talented creators, among the best working today.

From a millennial media maker and award-winning social critic, an accessible, straightforward, and remarkable guide that "invites us beyond the old stories we've told about ourselves, and into the wonder of our dreams, hopes, and love--so we can find our truth and purpose" (Glennon Doyle, New York Times bestselling author) for a generation paralyzed by the pressures of life. Behind the glossy Instagram pictures, many people in their 20s and 30s are living frustrating lives: overwhelmed and confused, anxious and inauthentic, exhausted and afraid. They are leading lives that, unbeknownst to them, have been shaped by everyone but themselves. From social media to the workplace, the stories that they have believed have left them constantly seeking a better life but rarely ever finding it. Erica Williams Simon saw this all too well. At 27, she abruptly walked away from her career as a rising political media star to find her own truth and a truth that would help others finally build a life worth living. She rejected the lies that the world had taught her, and rewrote the ideas that have the power to shape a generation. You Deserve the Truth is a "refreshingly blunt take on happiness" (Publishers Weekly) and is a masterclass in how to challenge the narratives about fear, work, identity, success, love, and life. This "smart and all too real guidebook for anyone striving to craft an authentic and inspired life from the ground up" (Franchesca Ramsey, host of MTV's Decoded) gives you the tools you need in order to break free from the narratives holding you back from starting an exciting new phase in a beautiful life.

Sara Tyler always knew she was different, but on her 18th birthday, she found out just how different she really was. Shortly after learning that her father was a fallen angel of death and her mother a human, Sara's new birthright lands her into becoming the first vampire to exist in over 200 years. With the awakening of her powers, her very existence then attracts the eyes of the Fallen; a fiendish renegade group of fallen Angels bent on destroying the one thing that can kill them, her Can Sara learn to use her newfound powers in time to not only stop the school bullies, but also save her urban town from the forces of darkness lurking in the shadows.

Two hundred years ago, Romvold, the last born vampire had been defeated along with his vile brood by the mighty Valkyrie. An ancient breed of Nephilim sworn to protect the world from evil. They thought they had won, they were wrong. Now centuries later, Romvold has risen again with the powers his long slumber has afforded him. In an effort to save mankind, the Valkyrie must unite with Sara, another vampire of the same caliber as Romvold if they wish to stand a chance at saving the world.